Dispatch: Week of May 8
New development bill targets Joshua trees, plus Danielle Wall's LA Times debut!
Hello from California’s high desert. I’m not sure about you, but I am ready for the wind to die down any day now.
In case you missed it: Speaking of impatience, I explored my least favorite part of spring in last week’s essay — the waiting required by higher altitudes and promises of summer. I hope you enjoy reading it as much I did writing it.
Programming note: The Dispatch: News (this email) will be off next week, returning on May 22. The Dispatch: Essays will be in your inbox this Sunday, May 12, as usual.
And now, onto this week’s news:
In local news:
State Assemblymember Juan Carrillo introduced a bill that would make it easier for large developers to skirt regulations around removing Joshua trees. The bill passed its first committee, but a large opposition is expected as it moves through the process following the tree’s new endangered classification.
Our own Danielle Wall got a stand-out feature in the Los Angeles Times this week. The piece focused on her education and safety efforts around rattlesnakes, but also covered her passion for all desert reptiles. Well worth your time, and congrats Danielle!
Another story to add to your “to-read” list: High Country News did an awesome audio story looking at the relationship between Joshua trees and the Yucca moth, two species that wouldn’t exist without the other. You can listen here.
Yucca Valley Town Council members Robert Lombardo and Jeff Drozd officially announced their re-election campaigns earlier this week. Lombardo represents District 4, and Drozd represents District 2.
Yucca Valley town officials are hosting a ribbon-cutting for a new art piece at the Yucca Valley Library tonight, May 8, at 6 p.m.
Lifestream is holding a blood drive on Thursday, May 9, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the California Welcome Center in Yucca Valley.
Healthy folks age 15 or older are eligible to donate, and receive a mini-physical for free as part of the donation. You can reserve a time slot by calling 800-879-4484 or online at LStream.org.
Local Girl Scout Troop 947 is collecting used dental supplies (toothbrushes, flossers) throughout the month of May at collection bins positioned throughout the Basin. Z107.7 has more on the recycling drive here.
The Twentynine Palms Parks & Recreation Department is holding a camp for young basketball players this summer, and registration is now open. The camp is available to players ages 8 through 14, and costs $80 for a full week of programming.
The Loma Linda VA Hospital is seeking volunteers to drive veterans from Morongo Valley to Loma Linda during the week for doctors’ appointments. Volunteers are provided a vehicle for transportation. You can call Stephanie Munoz at 909-583-6011 if you’re interested in volunteering.
The Joshua Tree National Park Association will hold its “Beneath the Desert Sky” fundraiser event and concert on June 1 at the 29 Palms Inn. Tickets are available for purchase here.
The Tiny Pony is hosting a Pet Mom’s Day brunch this Sunday, May 12, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Pet parents get a free shot if they bring a photo of their furry, scaly, or many-legged offspring.
Safe Schools Desert Cities is hosting a Pride Prom this Friday, May 10, at the Palm Springs Air Museum for high school and college students age 21 or younger. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here.
Tickets are now available for Desert Chrome’s Spring Showcase on May 17 and 18 at its studio in Yucca Valley. Tickets are 21+ and include two drinks with purchase. Entry begins at 6:30 p.m. and late admittance will not be permitted.
In state news:
Cal Fire crews battled three separate fires near Banning on Tuesday evening in addition to one in Ventura County. Consider this your reminder to rake those dried weeds, this fire season could be a doozy.
First responders were unable to extract two children from Mill Creek in the San Bernardino Mountains on Tuesday after both fell into the fast-moving current.
Goodwin & Sons Market in Crestline has officially reopened after closing in March 2023 when record snowfall led to the building’s roof collapse.
State lawmakers passed a complex and confusing bill that changes how electric utilities bill state residents, which will likely lead to higher fees for most customers.
Long Beach has declared a health emergency for an ongoing tuberculosis outbreak among residents. Get your vaccines, folks.
In other news:
The Met Gala, AKA the Super Bowl for those interested in high fashion, was held on Monday evening, and the fits did not disappoint.
Sunday is Mother’s Day! You’ve still got time to get a card, make that reservation, and arrange for her ideal day.
Pupdate of the week: Oliver is getting some lumps removed in a surgery next week, so we are now accepting any and all good vibes. I’m a mess, but Alice is completely oblivious and living her best rabbit-chasing life.
Trail tip of the week: It is somewhat unnerving to think that I am already looking at lightning forecasts this early in the season, but very little is normal about the weather these days. I rely heavily on mountain-forecast.com, OpenSnow (summer setting), and NWS before heading into the backcountry to make sure I know what I’m getting into and plan my hikes. I’m really hoping this upcoming forecast isn’t entirely correct, but if it is, I’ll be hunkered down in a tent and away for any and all ridgelines.
Read of the week: If you have enjoyed any of Colson Whitehead’s previous novels, I highly recommend his latest work, Crook Manifesto. I’ve been sitting on this novel a while because I wanted to give it the time and attention it deserved, as I had learned while reading Whitehead’s earlier novel Harlem Shuffle. Crook Manifesto is a sequel, of sorts, to Harlem Shuffle, and follows a minor character from the earlier novel as he tries to resist the temptation of crime while the city changes before his eyes. It is searing and beautifully written, a work of art on the page as well as in your mind’s eye. It is worth the time and attention it demands, and then some.
Watch of the week: It is spring, and you know what that means! A new season of my indulgent favorite, MasterChef! The reality cooking competition airs during the week on Fox and is streamed the next day on Hulu.
That’s it for this week! I hope you have a lovely weekend and avoid getting blown away while you’re outside.
- Megan
Megan - for delupiing dogs or other expensive vet services, try Mexivet, if you are willing to drive to San Diego. Reviewed on NPR a few years ago and we actually had our dog's non-cancerous lump removed at 25% of cost of local vet.